Mike Lata

About the Author

Mike Lata is a celebrated chef and author whose passion for Southern cuisine has reshaped the culinary landscape of the American South. Born and raised in the heart of the region, Lata honed his skills in kitchens across the country before founding FIG in Charleston, South Carolina, where he earned national acclaim for his farm-to-table philosophy and innovative take on Lowcountry traditions. As a writer, he brings the same dedication to storytelling through food, exploring the cultural and historical threads that weave through Southern recipes and communities. His work celebrates the diversity of Southern voices, from family gatherings to communal feasts, inviting readers to savor the flavors and stories that define the region's soulful heritage.